Kevin A. Olson, 70, of Evansville, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, February 11, 2022.  He was born February 23, 1951, in a small home in Iola, Wisconsin, to his wonderful mother, Eloise A. (Schneider) Olson and father, Donald M. Olson.  He was the second-born to the couple, following his older brother, Loren Olson.  He has four younger siblings: Sharon Olson, Rhonda Olson, Molly Devant, and Jim Olson.  His siblings meant the world to him and each one held a special place in his heart.  At a young age, Kevin’s father had introduced racing to him and that is when his love for the track began.  He loved the raw, exhilarating rush of racing.  He idolized all the old-school racers without cages and barely-there helmets.  He made a name for himself racing the midwestern circuit and then ventured on to the East and West coasts of the United States.  Other racers envied him until he gave them no choice but to idolize him.  He had a wildly outlandish sense of humor that captured everyone’s attention.  Although he was relentless on the track, as other racers put it, he was as genuine as he could be once his helmet came off.  Kevin loved to make people feel as good as he did through his crazy stunts, pranks, and over-the-top jokes.  He was dedicated to his craft and the racing community respected his smooth, professional style of racing and his passion for the sport.  He came to acquire many accomplishments and accolades, but two of his most notable and proudest wins were the Hut 100 Terre Haute race and Turkey Night race in 1983.  It is fitting that Kevin never retired from racing and that the only event that could keep him out of the seat of a midget car would be death itself.  He was a jack of all trades, except when it came to being a racer and a father.  He could accomplish more in one day than most could in a week.  He was a dedicated racer for sixty-five years and dutiful, beyond-loving father for forty-one years.  The birth of his first daughter, Katie, with then wife, Diana Ratcliffe, brought him immense joy.  He merged his family life with his passion for racing and toted Katie to the tracks whenever he could.  Then came the birth of his first-born son, Kevin Jr.; he was ecstatic for a son to be had in his family. Alongside his former wife, Catherine Olson, they had three more beautiful daughters: Kallie, Kassandra, and Karoline.  Kevin was intent on creating a magical and sometimes unusual childhood for his children and he did just that.  Now with four more children in tow, he would load his family-sized van up every Sunday and head to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, with his briefcase full of used pit wristbands and specially designed helmet.  His kids would patiently wait all day to see their dad race and more often than not, he would be victorious.  His fans would wait for autographs while he hugged and squeezed his five kids, proud to bring home another trophy for them to admire.  As his racing career slowed (against his wishes) he found enjoyment in antiquing and woodworking with his longtime partner, Nancy.  He became a pet owner again after several decades to two, red cats, named Big Red and Little Red.  His greatest pastime was his grandchildren.  His kids would always be his first loves, but there was something magical about getting to relive raising kids through his own children.  He became a grandfather at 52 to a healthy baby girl, Addyson Olson; he was born to be a grandfather.  Then followed the birth of Elliot Tourville, his first grandson.  To have a boy in the family after 29 years brought Kevin to tears.  The more grandkids he accrued, the more he was filled with an overwhelming love.  Vincent Landon came next, putting a smile on his Papa’s face with his love for race cars.  Isla Smith and Ada Smith reminded him of his own daughter, Kallie.  Then, again in 2021, Fiona Landon arrived.  Although it pained him to think of missing anything family related, he loved to travel, and he was loved all over the world, so Kevin and Nancy spent the better part of the last decade traveling and catching up with life-long friends.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park, Illinois, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Evansville, USAC, BMARA, and an avid Chicago Cubs fan.  Survivors include the love of his life, Nancy Helgeson Nelson, his children, Katie (Nicholas) Landon, Kevin Olson, Jr., Kallie (Michael) Smith, Kassandra (Alex Noble) Olson, and Karoline Olson; grandchildren, Addyson, Elliot, Vincent, Isla, Ada, and Fiona; mothers of his children, Diana Ratcliffe and Catherine Olson; siblings, Loren Olson, Sharon Olson, Rhonda Olson, Molly Devant Olson, and Jim (Diane) Olson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his two favorite specimens, Big Red and Little Red.  Predeceased by his parents, Donald and Eloise; and father figures, Jim Baker and Lee Carey.  The loss of our dear father, partner, friend, and fellow racer has left a mile-wide hole in our hearts.  We will miss him until the end of our days.

Service at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022, in Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park, with services livestreamed on Delehanty Funeral Home Facebook.  Following services, we will proceed to Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, WI, for one last victory lap in honor of Kevin.  Following the victory lap, there will be fellowship with family and friends at The Pavilion at Angell Park Speedway.  Private burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park, IL.  Visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2022, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his honor.  Please make memorial donations payable to Kevin Olson Memorial.